Bolt action rifle

ABSTRACT

An improved bolt action rifle. In its preferred embodiment, the improved bolt action rifle has at least one locking lug positioned within the bolt and having at its bottom a convex projection adapted to be inserted into a mating convex slot; a locking lug safety plunger located adjacent to a locking lug and adapted to prevent full insertion of the bolt without the presence of the locking lug; a bolt handle lock to lock the bolt in an upright position when the bolt handle is pulled rearward of the receiver; a bolt handle positioning detent to hold the bolt in a downward firing position when the rifle is in condition to be fired; a split receiver ring having two openings, one for permitting the ejection of a cartridge and the other for permitting the insertion of a new cartridge from the magazine; a bolt sleeve lock for locking together portions of the bolt; an ambidextrous magazine release; a magazine ejector; and an improved trigger mechanism based on the use of studs instead of pins.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority from ProvisionalApplication No. 60/338,043 filed on Nov. 13, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to bolt action rifles and, morespecifically, to a bolt action rifle having improved functionality withrespect to the bolt, receiver, trigger, and magazine components thereof.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Rifles of the bolt action variety are well known. In a boltaction rifle, bullets are fed into the receiver, typically from amagazine, and by manipulation of a bolt handle are driven forward by abolt into the chamber. After firing, the bolt is retracted and the spentcasing is ejected.

[0006] There are a number of deficiencies associated with prior art boltaction rifles, however. For example, prior art bolt action riflestypically having locking lugs positioned on the bolt. These act tomaintain the bolt in position during firing, and are required because ofthe breech pressure generated when a bullet is fired. However, prior artlocking lugs can cause interference and binding during sliding of thebolt.

[0007] In addition, in a typical bolt-action rifle, the magazine orcartridge feed is accomplished behind the receiver ring. The front ofthe cartridge must then feed forward from behind the receiver ring intothe chamber. This requires, in turn, a relatively long feed ramp whichwill direct the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. Thedistance which the cartridge must traverse on the way to the chamberprovides potential areas for cartridge jams or malfunctions.

[0008] Still further, the magazines on prior art bolt action rifles aretypically releasable by the depression of a magazine release buttonfound on one side of the magazine. However, the placement of themagazine release button may be inconvenient for certain users, includingfor example left-handed users. Moreover, even following depression of amagazine release, it can be difficult for the user to securely grasp andremove the magazine from its housing.

[0009] Trigger mechanisms on prior art bolt action rifles also sufferfrom deficiencies. For example, certain trigger components are pivoting,and these typically pivot about a pin that is inserted through thetrigger housing and the pivoting part itself. These pins can be subjectto loosening, shifting, or breaking as a result of use.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,677, issued to applicant herein andincorporated herein by reference, represents an effort to addressessome, though not all, of these issues.

[0011] A need therefore existed for a bolt action rifle having improvedfunctionality in the areas of bolt, receiver, trigger, and magazinedesign. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other,related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedbolt action rifle.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a boltaction rifle having improved locking lugs.

[0014] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide abolt action rifle having locking lugs that are less subject to bindingand interference than prior art locking lugs.

[0015] It is a still further object of the present invention to providea bolt handle that resists unintended downward movement when the bolt isin the open position.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bolthandle that resists unintended upward movement when the bolt is in theclosed position.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a boltaction rifle having a split receiver ring, permitting the elimination ofa cartridge feed ramp and shortening bolt travel from front to rear.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a boltaction rifle having an ambidextrous magazine release.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a boltaction rifle having an improved trigger assembly, eliminating the needfor pivot pins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, animproved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The improved bolt action riflecomprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in the stock; atrigger assembly mounted in the receiver; a receiver ring located at aforward end of the receiver; a barrel located at a forward end of thereceiver ring; a bolt enclosed within the receiver and the receiver ringand adapted to travel forward and rearward within the receiver and thereceiver ring; wherein the bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeveand an outer bolt sleeve surrounding the inner bolt sleeve; at least onelocking lug slot located within the inner bolt sleeve; wherein thelocking lug slot is concave; at least one locking lug having an upperportion and a lower projection wherein the upper portion is dimensionedto be retained within a cavity in the outer bolt sleeve and wherein thelower projection is dimensioned to be mounted within the locking lugslot; wherein the lower projection is convex; wherein the upper portionis dimensioned to contact a mating recessed area within the receiverring during axial movement of the inner bolt sleeve relative to theouter bolt sleeve.

[0021] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,an improved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The improved bolt actionrifle comprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in thestock; a trigger assembly mounted in the receiver; a receiver ringlocated at a forward end of the receiver; a barrel located at a forwardend of the receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within the receiver and thereceiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward within thereceiver and the receiver ring; wherein the bolt further comprises aninner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleeve surrounding the inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug slot located within the inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lowerprojection wherein the upper portion is dimensioned to be retainedwithin a cavity in the outer bolt sleeve and wherein the lowerprojection is dimensioned to be mounted within the locking lug slot;wherein the upper portion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessedarea within the receiver ring during axial movement of the inner boltsleeve relative to the outer bolt sleeve; and means for preventing fullforward movement of the bolt within the receiver and the receiver ringwhen the upper portion of the at least one locking lug is not presentwithin the cavity in the outer bolt sleeve.

[0022] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,an improved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The bolt action riflecomprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in the stock; atrigger assembly mounted in the receiver; a receiver ring located at aforward end of the receiver; a barrel located at a forward end of thereceiver ring; a bolt enclosed within the receiver and the receiver ringand adapted to travel forward and rearward within the receiver and thereceiver ring; a first cut-out area in a side portion of the receiverring; wherein the first cut-out area is dimensioned and positioned topermit the ejection of a cartridge therethrough; a second cut-out areain a bottom portion of the receiver ring; wherein the second cut-outarea is dimensioned and positioned to permit the feeding of a newcartridge from a magazine therebelow.

[0023] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, an improved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The improved boltaction rifle comprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted inthe stock; a trigger assembly mounted in the receiver; a receiver ringlocated at a forward end of the receiver; a barrel located at a forwardend of the receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within the receiver and thereceiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward within thereceiver and the receiver ring; a bolt handle collar positioned on thebolt; a bolt handle projecting outward from the bolt handle collar to begrasped by a user seeking to cause one of forward and rearward movementof the bolt within the receiver and the receiver ring; and means forlocking the bolt handle in an upward position so that the bolt handlewill not contact a rearward portion of the receiver during forwardmovement of the bolt and for unlocking the bolt handle from the upwardposition after the bolt handle has cleared the rearward position of thereceiver.

[0024] In accordance with still another embodiment of the presentinvention, an improved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The improved boltaction rifle comprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted inthe stock; a bolt handle opening in the stock; a trigger assemblymounted in the receiver; a receiver ring located at a forward end of thereceiver; a barrel located at a forward end of the receiver ring; a boltenclosed within the receiver and the receiver ring and adapted to travelforward and rearward within the receiver and the receiver ring; a bolthandle collar positioned on the bolt; a bolt handle projecting outwardfrom the bolt handle collar to be grasped by a user seeking to cause oneof forward and rearward movement of the bolt within the receiver and thereceiver ring and adapted to be received within the bolt handle openingin the stock when the bolt handle is rotated downward so as to lock thebolt in a firing position; and means for holding the bolt handle in adownward firing position within the bolt handle opening.

[0025] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, an improved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The improved boltaction rifle comprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted inthe stock; a bolt handle opening in the stock; a trigger assemblymounted in the receiver; a receiver ring located at a forward end of thereceiver; a barrel located at a forward end of the receiver ring; a boltenclosed within the receiver and the receiver ring and adapted to travelforward and rearward within the receiver and the receiver ring; whereinthe bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleevesurrounding the inner bolt sleeve; wherein the bolt further comprises arear bolt sleeve threadably coupled to the outer bolt sleeve; and boltsleeve locking means for locking the rear bolt sleeve to the outer boltsleeve.

[0026] In accordance with still another embodiment of the presentinvention, an improved firearm is disclosed. The improved firearmcomprises, in combination: a frame; a trigger assembly mounted in theframe; a chamber; a magazine coupled to the frame and adapted to feed acartridge into the chamber for firing; and means for releasing themagazine from the frame; wherein the releasing means comprises a firstbutton projecting from a first side of the frame and a second buttonprojecting from a second side of the frame and wherein depression ofeither of the first and the second button permits detachment of themagazine from the frame.

[0027] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,an improved firearm is disclosed. The improved firearm comprises, incombination: a frame; and a trigger assembly mounted in the frame;wherein the trigger assembly comprises: a first plate; a second platepositioned opposite the first plate; a first pivot point about whichpivots a trigger sear; a second pivot point about which pivots a triggerpiece; a third pivot point about which pivots a safety pawl; whereineach of the first pivot point, the second pivot point and the thirdpivot point comprises a stud projecting from each side of the triggersear, the trigger piece, and the safety pawl and dimensioned to beinserted into mating openings in the first plate and the second plate.

[0028] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,an improved bolt action rifle is disclosed. The improved bolt actionrifle comprises, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in thestock; a bolt handle opening in the stock; a trigger assembly mounted inthe receiver; wherein the trigger assembly comprises: a first plate; asecond plate positioned opposite the first plate; a first pivot pointabout which pivots a trigger sear; a second pivot point about whichpivots a trigger piece; a third pivot point about which pivots a safetypawl; wherein each of the first pivot point, the second pivot point andthe third pivot point comprises a stud projecting from each side of thetrigger sear, the trigger piece, and the safety pawl and dimensioned tobe inserted into mating openings in the first plate and the secondplate; a magazine insertable into a housing located in the stock andadapted to feed a cartridge into the receiver for firing; means forreleasing the magazine from the housing; wherein the releasing meanscomprises a first button projecting from a first side of the housing anda second button projecting from a second side of the housing and whereindepression of either of the first and the second button permitsdetachment of the magazine from the housing; a receiver ring located ata forward end of the receiver; a first cut-out area in a side portion ofthe receiver ring; wherein the first cut-out area is dimensioned andpositioned to permit the ejection of a cartridge therethrough; a secondcutout area in a bottom portion of the receiver ring; wherein the secondcut-out area is dimensioned and positioned to permit the feeding of anew cartridge from a magazine therebelow; a barrel located at a forwardend of the receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within the receiver and thereceiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward within thereceiver and the receiver ring; wherein the bolt further comprises aninner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleeve surrounding the inner boltsleeve; wherein the bolt further comprises a rear bolt sleeve threadablycoupled to the outer bolt sleeve; bolt sleeve locking means for lockingthe rear bolt sleeve to the outer bolt sleeve; a bolt handle collarpositioned on the bolt; a bolt handle projecting outward from the bolthandle collar to be grasped by a user seeking to cause one of forwardand rearward movement of the bolt within the receiver and the receiverring; means for locking the bolt handle in an upward position so thatthe bolt handle will not contact a rearward portion of the receiverduring forward movement of the bolt and for unlocking the bolt handlefrom the upward position after the bolt handle has cleared the rearwardposition of the receiver; at least one locking lug slot located withinthe inner bolt sleeve; wherein the locking lug slot is concave; at leastone locking lug having an upper portion and a lower projection whereinthe upper portion is dimensioned to be retained within a cavity in theouter bolt sleeve and wherein the lower projection is dimensioned to bemounted within the locking lug slot; wherein the lower projection isconvex; wherein the upper portion is dimensioned to contact a matingrecessed area within the receiver ring during axial movement of theinner bolt sleeve relative to the outer bolt sleeve; means forpreventing full forward movement of the bolt within the receiver and thereceiver ring when the upper portion of the at least one locking lug isnot present within the cavity in the outer bolt sleeve; and means forholding the bolt handle in a downward firing position within the bolthandle opening.

[0029] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following, more particular,description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an embodiment of thebolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 2 is perspective view of the trigger and bolt handle portionof an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a top view of the receiver portion of an embodiment ofthe bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thebolt action rifle of the present invention, showing the bolt, trigger,safety lever and magazine portions.

[0034]FIG. 4A is a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thebolt action rifle of the present invention, showing the bolt portion,including a locking lug and bolt sear.

[0035]FIG. 4B is a side, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thebolt action rifle of the present invention, showing the bolt portion,including a locking lug and bolt sear.

[0036]FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional end view of the receiver ring portionof an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a front, end, cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthe bolt action rifle of the present invention, showing the position oflocking lugs on the bolt.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an embodiment of thebolt action rifle of the present invention, shown with the bolt removed.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a side view of the bolt of an embodiment of the boltaction rifle of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bolt handle collar and bolthandle of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0041]FIG. 9 is an end, cross-sectional view of the rear bolt sleeve ofan embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bolt portion of anembodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention,illustrating a bolt handle lock.

[0043]FIG. 11 is a side view of the receiver and receiver ring portionof an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention, withthe bolt inserted.

[0044]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the receiver and receiver ringportion of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention, without the bolt.

[0045]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the receiver ring portion of anembodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention, withoutthe bolt.

[0046]FIG. 12 is an end, cross-sectional view of a locking lug safetyassembly.

[0047]FIG. 12A is a side, cross-sectional view of a locking lugprojecting from the bolt.

[0048]FIG. 12B is an end, cross-sectional view of locking lug safetyassembly with a locking lug in position.

[0049]FIG. 12C is an end, cross-sectional view of locking lug andlocking lug safety assembly with the locking lug removed.

[0050]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking lug.

[0051]FIG. 13A is a side view of locking lugs projecting from the outerbolt sleeve of the bolt.

[0052]FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing the positioning of alocking lug in a slot in an inner bolt sleeve of the bolt.

[0053]FIG. 13C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking lug.

[0054]FIG. 14 is a side view of an embodiment of a locking lug.

[0055]FIG. 15 is an end, cross-sectional view of a locking lug inposition relative to the inner and outer bolt sleeves of a bolt.

[0056]FIG. 16 is a side, cross-sectional view of a trigger guard andmagazine release.

[0057]FIG. 17 is a top view of a the magazine release portion of anembodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0058]FIG. 18 is a front, end view of the magazine release portion of anembodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of the magazine releaseportion of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0060]FIG. 20 is a cut-away, perspective view of the magazine releaseportion of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0061]FIG. 21 is a side, cross-sectional view of the trigger mechanismof an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0062]FIG. 22A is a partial side, cross-sectional view of the triggermechanism of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0063]FIG. 22B is an exploded, perspective view of the trigger mechanismof an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0064]FIG. 23 is a partial side, cross-sectional view of the triggermechanism of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0065]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bolt take-down tool and rearbolt sleeve of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0066]FIG. 25A is a perspective view of the bolt take-down tool of FIG.24 in position on the rear bolt sleeve of an embodiment of the boltaction rifle of the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 25B is a side, cross-sectional view of the bolt take-downtool of FIG. 24 in position on the rear bolt sleeve of an embodiment ofthe bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0068]FIG. 25C is a side, cross-sectional view of the bolt take-downtool of FIG. 24 in position on the rear bolt sleeve of an embodiment ofthe bolt action rifle of the present invention.

[0069]FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a sliding latch portion of abolt sleeve locking mechanism of an embodiment of the bolt action rifleof the present invention.

[0070]FIG. 26B is a perspective view of a portion of an outer boltsleeve of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

[0071]FIG. 26C is a perspective view of the outer bolt sleeve and rearbolt sleeve, illustrating coupling therebetween.

[0072]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a bolt handle positioningmechanism of an embodiment of the bolt action rifle of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Referring first to FIG. 1, the rifle 10 of the present inventionis shown in perspective view. The rifle 10 is of the bolt-actionvariety, and its main components include a stock 12, a trigger assembly14, a bolt 16, a receiver 17, receiver ring 18, a bolt handle 20, abarrel 22, and a magazine 24 (see FIG. 4).

[0074] Turning first to the receiver 17, the purpose of a receiver on abolt-action rifle is generally to provide an enclosure which willreceive a cartridge and which contains the bolt which inserts thecartridge into the barrel for discharge. The receiver ring further acts,on a typical bolt-action rifle, to contain the locking lugs, which arerigidly part of the rotating bolt. Prior art receiver rings arecompletely enclosed, with the locking lug recesses located ahead of themagazine.

[0075] In the typical bolt-action rifle, the magazine or cartridge feedis accomplished behind the receiver ring. The front of the cartridgemust then feed forward from behind the receiver ring into the chamber.This requires, in turn, a relatively long feed ramp which will directthe cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. The distance which thecartridge must traverse on the way to the chamber provides potentialareas for cartridge jams or malfunctions.

[0076] In the rifle 10 of the present invention, the receiver ring 18has a split design, and comprises a first cut-out area 26 on a sideportion thereof and a second cut-out area 28 (see FIG. 4C) on a bottomportion thereof. The first cut-out area 26 permits the ejection of thecartridge (not shown) more proximate the barrel 22 end of the rifle 10,as compared to prior art bolt-action rifles. The second cut-out area 28allows the feeding of a new cartridge (not shown) from the magazine 24therethrough, eliminating the need for a feed ramp. Shortening thedistance the cartridge must travel on the way to the chamber eliminatesthe need for a feed ramp and permits more direct feeding of thecartridge into the chamber. This reduces the possibility of jamming.

[0077] In combination, the first cut-out area 26 and second cut-out area28 permit a material shortening of the length of the action, potentiallyby about one inch. This reduces the weight of the rifle 10 and makes theaction more rigid, increasing shooting accuracy. This reduces therequired bolt travel to feed and eject the cartridge.

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 12 a-15, the configuration andfunction of different embodiments of the locking lugs of the presentinvention are illustrated. A typical prior art bolt-action rifle, atleast of the center-fire variety, has two or more locking lugs locatedon a front portion of the bolt, which rotate into matching recessesmilled into the receiver ring. The locking lugs help maintain the boltin position during firing, and are required because of the breechpressure generated during firing. (Because of the lower breech pressuresgenerated during firing of a rimfire cartridge, bolt-action rifles ofthis type often do not have locking lugs on the bolt.)

[0079] Referring first to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 12A and 15, each locking lug 30is pivotally mounted within the bolt 16, in such manner that the surfaceof the locking lug 30 is substantially flush with that of the bolt 16 sothat the locking lugs 30 will not interfere with the passage of thefront portion of the bolt 16 into the receiver 17 as the bolt 16 ismoved forward into the firing position. Each locking lug 30 comprises adovetail projection 31 (see FIG. 13) and an upper portion 33, thesurface of which upper portion 33 is flush with that of the bolt 16 whenthe bolt 16 is in the open, non-firing position.

[0080] The upper portion 33 of each locking lug 30 is positioned withina recess within an outer bolt sleeve 34. See FIGS. 12, 15. The dovetailprojection 31 is mounted within a dovetail slot 32 in an inner boltsleeve 38 (see FIG. 13B). Axial movement of the inner bolt sleeve 38relative to the outer bolt sleeve 34, caused by the rotation of the bolthandle 20 into the closed/firing position, in turn causes each lockinglug 30 to pivot rearward and upward along the dovetail slot 32, until arear surface 36 of the upper portion 33 of the locking lug 30 contacts amating recessed area (see FIG. 13A) within the receiver ring 18. Whenthe bolt handle 20 is rotated into the open position after firing toeject the spent cartridge, axial movement of the inner bolt sleeve 38rearward relative to the outer bolt sleeve 34 in the opposite directioncauses each locking lug 30 to pivot forward and downward along thedovetail slot 32 until the surface of the locking lug 30 is again flushwith the surface of the bolt 16, permitting the portion of the bolt 16containing locking lugs 30 to pass within the receiver 17.

[0081] Particular attention is now directed to the dovetail slot 32. Asshown particularly in FIGS. 12A and 13B, the dovetail slot 32 is curvedand has a concave configuration, and the mating surface of the dovetailprojection 31 is correspondingly and matingly curved in a convexconfiguration. This curvature provides increased and more uniformcontact between the dovetail slot 32 and dovetail projection 31 duringmotion of the locking lug 30. As a result, there is less interferenceand binding during sliding of the inner bolt sleeve 38. Thisconfiguration also permits a shallower dovetail slot 32, thus permittingthe locking lug 30 to have a shorter dovetail projection 31.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, in one embodiment, thelocking lug 30 has a dovetail projection 31 which has, when viewed froman end thereof, a substantially dove-tail shape. Referring to FIG. 13C,in another embodiment, the locking lug 30 has a dovetail projection 31which has a substantially T-shape cross-section. Whether the tailportion is T or dove-tail shaped, the bottom portion thereof is convex,so as to mate with a corresponding concave dovetail or T-shaped slot.

[0083] As noted above, the locking lugs 30 are required because of thebreech pressure generated during firing. In particular, the locking lugs30 transfer the force of recoil from the head of the bolt 16 to thereceiver ring 18.

[0084] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C. Toprevent a user from firing the rifle 10 without the locking lugs 30, itis preferable to position a lug safety assembly 40 proximate at leastone of the locking lugs 30. The lug safety assembly 40 preferablyconsists of a plunger 42, the base of which is biased against a spring44. At the top of the plunger 42, opposite the spring 44, is aprojection 46. The projection 46 is dimensioned to extend on first sideA into the recess in the outer bolt sleeve 34 into which the upperportion 33 of the locking lug 30 is positioned. When the locking lug 30is positioned within the bolt 16, the upper portion 33 contacts theprojection 46, depressing the plunger 42. (See FIG. 12B). When thelocking lug 30 is not in position, the plunger 42 will be fullyextended, which will cause second side B of the projection 46 to extendoutside the outer bolt sleeve 34 (see FIG. 12C), preventing the outerbolt sleeve 34 from entering the receiver 18 and thus preventing thefiring of the rifle 10 without the locking lug 30.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 11A, to guard against the possibility thata user might try to insert the bolt 16 into the receiver 18 without alocking lug 30 by simply manually depressing the projection 46, achannel 48 is provided in the receiver 18. The channel 48 is dimensionedto receive the projection 46 after the projection 46 enters the receiver18. The depth of the channel 48 increases as the projection 46 travelstoward the barrel 22 end of the rifle 10, permitting the projection 46to extend further as the bolt 16 travels forward. At the end of thechannel 48 is a wall 50, which wall 50 will act to prevent the passageof the projection 46—and thus prevent the complete insertion of the bolt16 and the firing of the rifle 10 without the locking lug 30.

[0086] It would be possible, without departing from the spirit or scopeof the present invention, to provide other means for preventing thecomplete insertion of the bolt 16 and the firing of the rifle 10 withoutthe locking lug 30. The locking lug safety assembly 46 is only intendedto be illustrative of one such means for preventing such insertion.

[0087] To retract the bolt 16, it is necessary to raise the bolt handle20 to its uppermost position, and then pull back on the bolt handle 20,causing the bolt 16 to retract and eject any spent cartridge from thechamber. As the bolt handle 20 is retracted through the slot on the rearof the action, the action will prevent the lowering of the bolt handle20. However, once the bolt handle 20 clears the action, the bolt handle20 is free to rotate downward. However, because the bolt 16 cannot bemoved forward when the bolt handle 20 is in the downward positionoutside of the action—the action will block the bolt handle 20 frommoving forward—a user would be prevented from rapidly repositioning thebolt 16 to fire the rifle 12.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, to maintain the bolt handle 20 in araised position when retracted beyond the action—but to permit the bolthandle 20 to be lowered when the bolt 16 is moved fully forward—a bolthandle lock 52 is provided. The components of the bolt handle lock 52are a t-shaped plunger 54, a spring 56 biased against the base of theplunger 54, and an opening 58 in a rear portion of the base of the bolthandle 20. The t-shaped plunger 54 is dimensioned to travel at an acuteangle within a slot 60, which slot 60 is within a side projection on therear bolt sleeve 92 (see FIG. 9) immediately behind and adjacent thebolt collar 21.

[0089] When the t-shaped plunger 54 is positioned by the spring 56 intoits forward-most position, the forward-most portion of the plunger 54enters the opening 58, preventing the bolt handle 20 from being lowered.When the t-shaped plunger 54 is retracted, the plunger 54 is withdrawnfrom the opening 58, permitting the bolt handle 20 to be lowered.

[0090] The t-shaped plunger 54 includes an upper projection 62 and alower projection 64. When the bolt 16 is in the rearward or retractedposition, the upper projection 62 will project above the surface of theside projection of bolt sleeve 92 (see FIG. 9), the lower projection 64will not extend beyond the surface of the bolt sleeve 92, and thet-shaped plunger 54 will be in its forward-most position, locking thebolt handle 20 in the up position. As the bolt 16 is moved forward, theupper projection 62 will contact the rear of the receiver 17. This willcause the upper projection 62—and thus the entire t-shaped plunger 54 tobe pushed rearward and downward. As this occurs, the lower projection 64will project downward beyond the surface of the side projection of thebolt sleeve 92, and will enter a channel 66 located within the receiver17. See FIGS. 6 and 10. As the bolt handle 20 moves along the receiver17, it is prevented from closing until the bolt handle 20 reaches thebolt handle opening 68. At this point, with the plunger 54 retractedfrom the opening 58, the bolt handle 20 may be closed for firing. Whenthe bolt handle 20 again is lifted and the bolt 16 is moved rearward,the lower projection 64 will reach the rearward end of the channel 66and will be forced forward and upward causing the t-shaped plunger 54 toenter the bolt handle opening 58, locking the bolt handle 20 in theupright position. This is a backup to the action of the spring 56. Whilethe presence of a lower projection 64 and channel 66 is preferable, itwould be possible to eliminate these two features without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0091] It should be noted that the bolt handle lock 52 described hereinis exemplary of one embodiment of a means for locking the bolt handle 20in the upright position. Other means may also be utilized withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 16-20, the magazine release feature of therifle 10 is illustrated. The rifle 10 features a detachable magazine 24(see FIG. 4), which magazine 24 holds and loads the cartridges (notshown) that are to be fired by the rifle 10. Detachable magazines arecommonly used both with rifles and handguns. In the prior art, therelease for the magazine operates from one side of the magazine, frombelow the magazine, or from other positions. However, prior artmagazines do not provide release buttons on both the left and rightsides of the magazine, allowing a user the flexibility of releasing themagazine from one side or the other depending on the conditions in whichthe rifle 10 is being used, or depending on whether the user isright-handed or left-handed.

[0093] The rifle 10 of the present invention has an ambidextrousmagazine release 70. The main components of the magazine release 70 area push button 72, preferably located in a front portion of the triggerguard 74 and projecting from both the right and left sides of thetrigger guard 74 (see, e.g., FIG. 18). Preferably, for improved contactwith the push button 72, the ends thereof are knurled.

[0094] Coupled to an upper surface of the push button 72 is a releasecatch 76. A bottom portion of the release catch 76 is preferablypositioned within a slot 78 on the upper surface of the push button 72as particularly shown in FIG. 19. At the front of the release catch 76,proximate the barrel 22 end of the rifle 10, is a bevelled projection80. The bevelled projection 80 extends through an opening 82 in theportion 84 of the trigger guard surrounding the magazine body. The rearof the release catch 76, proximate the stock 12 end of the rifle 10, isconcave. The concave area is dimensioned to mate with the convex forwardsurface of a plunger 86, the rear surface of which is biased against aspring 88.

[0095] The spring-loading of the release catch 76 via the plunger 86tends to maintain the release catch 76 and push button 72 in a centeredposition. Located on the rear of the magazine 24 is a projection 79 (seeFIG. 4). The projection 79 is positioned so that as the magazine 24 isinserted into the magazine housing 84, the projection 79 will slide upunder the bevelled projection 80, passing on the bevelled side. As theprojection 79 passes the bevelled projection 80, the bevelled projection80 (and release catch 76) will be moved to the side. As the magazine 24is fully inserted, the projection 79 will pass above the bevelledprojection 80, allowing the spring 88 to force the release catch 76 backinto its center position—below the projection 79. In this position, thebevelled projection 80 will hold the magazine 24 in place.

[0096] From this position, the magazine 24 is removed by pushing oneither side of the push button 72. This will cause the bevelledprojection 80 to move to one or the other side of the projection 79,permitting the magazine 24 to be withdrawn.

[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22A, the magazine ejector featureof the present invention is illustrated. The magazine ejector 160 islocated within a slot 165 at the barrel 22 end of the trigger housing153. The magazine ejector 160 is biased downward by a spring 167. Themagazine ejector 160 further has an extension 162 that extends forwardfrom the trigger housing 153. Extension 162 is positioned so that whenthe magazine 24 (see FIG. 4) is inserted into the magazine housing 84,the magazine projection 79 pushes against the extension 162.

[0098] When the magazine release mechanism 70 (see FIG. 20) is activatedto release the magazine 24, the magazine 24 is forced at least partiallydownward by the spring 167 driving against the magazine ejector 160 andits extension 162, bearing downward on the magazine projection 79. Thispartial ejection allows the magazine 24 to be more easily grasped by theoperator.

[0099] It should be noted that the ambidextrous magazine release 70and/or magazine ejector 160 herein illustrated could be implemented inother magazine-fed firearms, including hand guns and other long guns,and not only on bolt action rifles. Where reference is intended to bemade generically to guns of all types, terms such as “frame” are used inplace of “stock,” to convey such intent.

[0100] Turning now to FIGS. 26A-E, the bolt sleeve lock feature of thepresent invention is described. The bolt 16 comprises a number ofcomponent parts. Included among these are the outer bolt sleeve 34 andthe rear bolt sleeve 92. The outer bolt sleeve 34 actually comprises twocontinuous cylindrical sections—a large diameter section 94 proximatethe barrel 22 end of the rifle 10 and a smaller diameter section 96proximate the stock end of the rifle 10. The smaller diameter section 96has the bolt collar 21 positioned thereon, and the smaller diametersection 96 is threadably coupled at its stock end to the rear boltsleeve 92.

[0101] Unless the rear bolt sleeve 92 is locked to the outer bolt sleeve34, the rear bolt sleeve 92 may rotate when the bolt 16 is retracted.Such rotation is generally undesired because it could, among otherthings, harm the rear bolt sleeve 92 over time and prevent the bolt fromreturning to its position in the receiver 17 during cycling of the bolt16. The present invention includes a bolt sleeve locking mechanism 98 toaddress this. Looking particularly at FIG. 26A, the locking mechanism 98includes a sliding latch 100, having a horizontal long section 102, avertical short section 104 projecting at a right angle from the longsection 102 at an end thereof, and a horizontal short section 106projecting at a right angle from the vertical short section 104 at anend thereof and extending beyond the end of the horizontal long section102.

[0102] The sliding latch 100 is positioned within a cut-out portion ofthe rear bolt sleeve 92, with the horizontal long section 102 beingflush with the outside surface of the rear bolt sleeve 92. A spring 108(see FIG. 26C) is positioned at a rear of the horizontal long section102 distal from the vertical short section 104. The spring 108 acts tobias the sliding latch 100 toward the barrel 22 end of the rifle 10.When biased forward, the horizontal short section 106 will enter afemale notch 110 in the smaller diameter section 96, as shown forexample in FIG. 26B-C. This positioning of the sliding latch 100 has theeffect of locking the outer bolt sleeve 34 to the rear bolt sleeve 92,preventing the rear bolt sleeve 92 from rotating when the bolt 16 isretracted.

[0103] Referring now to FIG. 27, the bolt handle positioning detent 97of the present invention is illustrated. To prepare the rifle 10 forfiring, a cartridge (not shown) is loaded into the chamber by thecomplete forward movement of the bolt 16, followed by the closing of thebolt handle 20. However, in this position, the force required to liftthe bolt handle 20 is relatively minimal. It would be possible then fora user to inadvertently raise the bolt handle 20 even slightly, whichcould in turn cause the rifle 10 to misfire. It would be desirable thento provide a means for preventing the inadvertent raising of the bolthandle 20.

[0104] Inadvertent raising or opening of the bolt handle 20 is minimizedby the positioning of a plunger 112 within the bolt collar 21. Theplunger 112 is spring biased toward the barrel 22 end of the rifle 10 byspring 99, so that the forward end thereof enters a notch 111 in thelarger diameter of the bolt body 94. When the bolt handle 20 is lowered,the plunger 112 enters the notch 111, preventing the bolt handle 20 frommoving to the open position without the application of pressure. When itis desired to raise the bolt handle 20, for example after firing therifle 10, the force applied by the user in purposefully pulling up onthe bolt handle 20 will be sufficient to cause the forward end of theplunger 112 to move out of the notch 111—permitting the bolt handle 20to be manipulated into the open position. The plunger 112 could also bepositioned facing to the rear with the notch 111 positioned in the rearbolt sleeve 92. Still further, it would be possible to position theplunger 112 in the rear bolt sleeve 92 with the notch 111 in the rearface of the bolt collar 21.

[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 24-25C, a bolt take-down tool 114 isshown. The bolt take-down tool 114 permits a user to readily dismantlethe bolt 16, and in particular to separate the rear bolt sleeve 92 fromthe outer bolt sleeve 34. The bolt take-down tool 114 comprises acylindrical body 116 that is closed at a first end and open at a second(see, e.g., FIGS. 25B-C). A thumbscrew 118 is threadably retained alongthe side of the cylindrical body 116 at a right angle thereto, and athumbscrew 120 is threadably retained along the side of the cylindricalbody 116 at a right acute angle thereto.

[0106] The cylindrical body 116 is dimensioned to fit over the rear boltsleeve 92, until the closed end contacts the rearmost end of the rearbolt sleeve 92. When positioned in this manner, the bottom of thethumbscrew 118, when inserted into the cylindrical body 116, willcontact and depress a rearward portion of the bolt sear 117. This willcause the bolt sear 117 to pivot about pin 122, rotating its front endout of engagement with the outer bolt sleeve 34. See FIG. 25C. Alsorequiring retraction to allow the rear bolt sleeve 92 to be unscrewedfrom the outer bolt sleeve 34 are the bolt handle lock 52 (see FIG. 10)and the sliding latch 100 (see FIGS. 26A-C).

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 24, shown is the sliding retractor 119. Thesliding retractor 119 has at one end an operating projection 121extending at a right angle to the sliding retractor 119. At the otherend is a smaller right angle end extension 121 a which is dimensioned toengage the front end of the lower projection 64 of the bolt handle lock52 (see FIG. 10). A similar right angle middle extension 123 isdimensioned to fit at the forward end of the horizontal long section 102of the sliding latch 100 (see FIG. 26A).

[0108] The sliding retractor 119 fits into a groove 124 on the side ofthe body 116 of the bolt take down tool 114. The sliding retractor 119also has a center slot 125 through which a thumbscrew 120 passes andthreads into a hole in the groove 124.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 25A, the sliding retractor 119 is operated withthe thumbscrew 120 loosened to allow projections 121a and 123 to bemaneuvered to a position in front of the lower projection 64 and thehorizontal long section 102. The thumbscrew 120 is then partiallytightened to allow only sliding motion of the sliding retractor 119. Thesliding retractor 119 is then pulled rearward by the operation ofprojection 121. The thumbscrew 120 is then completely tightened lockingthe sliding retractor 119 and the sliding latch 100 and bolt handle lock52 in their rearward position out of their locked position. This willthen allow the rear bolt sleeve 92 to move independently of the outerbolt sleeve 34.

[0110] The combination of inserting each of the thumbscrew 118 andthumbscrew 120 in the manner herein described will permit the rear boltsleeve 92 to be unscrewed from the outer bolt sleeve 34, and thusfurther allows disassembly of the bolt 16.

[0111] Attention is now directed to the trigger mechanism 130 of thepresent invention, illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22A-B and 23. The triggermechanism 130 consists of a trigger sear 134 that pivots at its frontend about point C. The mechanism 130 further comprises a trigger piece132 that pivots about point D, the lower portion of which trigger piece132 is pulled by the user to fire the rifle 10. The trigger sear 134 hastwo downwardly extending extensions—a rear extension 140 and a centerextension 138. The center extension 138 can contact an engagementsurface 139 at the top of the trigger piece 132. The rear extension 140can contact a pivoting cam surface 142. The pivoting cam surface 142 isconnected to the thumb piece 144 (see FIG. 4) and pivots about point G.

[0112] The orientation of the cam surface 142 is adjusted by forward andrearward movement of a thumb piece 144 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). A projection147 from the safety pawl 137 contacts the cam surface 142. The camsurface 142 further comprises a notch 148 (see FIG. 23) thereon. Thenotch 148 is adapted to engage the safety pawl projection 147, whichsafety pawl 137 pivots at its rear end about point E. Forward orrearward movement of the thumb piece 144 causes up and down movement ofthe safety pawl projection 147, which causes up or down movement of thesafety pawl 137. As shown in FIG. 22A, when the notch 148 is in therearward, firing position, the notch 148 is rotated clockwise, allowingthe projection 147 to enter the notch 148 and to pivot upward and out ofengagement with the trigger piece notch 149. This same rotationalclosure movement of the cam surface 142 causes the rear extension 140 tobe relieved from contact with the cam surface 142, allowing it to rotatedownward about pivot point C, and moves the center extension 138 intocontact with the engagement surface 139 at the top of the trigger piece132. In this configuration, the trigger piece 132 is free to rotateforward about pivot point D, releasing the trigger sear 134 to rotatedownward about pivot point C, which in turn allows the bolt sear 117 torotate about pivot point F. This releases the firing pin 170, firing therifle 10.

[0113] Full rearward movement of the thumb piece 144 places the gun in afull safe position, illustrated in FIG. 23. The cam surface 142 has beenrotated counter-clockwise and the pawl projection 147 has been cammedfrom the notch 148. In this position, the safety pawl 137 engages thetrigger piece notch 149. In addition, the center extension 138 is liftedfrom contacts with the engagement surface 139 by the camming action ofthe cam surface 142 on rear extension 140. In this configuration, thetrigger sear 134 is prevented from moving downward, and the rifle 10 maynot be fired. Because the trigger sear 134 is locked in position, thebolt sear 117 is also in the locked position (see also FIG. 4), with anextension 156 thereon engaging the bolt handle collar 21, preventingmanipulation of the bolt handle 20.

[0114] In the middle position (not shown), the safety pawl 137 is stillengaged with the trigger piece 132, and the rear extension 140 is insufficient contact with the cam surface 142, so that the trigger sear134 and the trigger piece 132 are locked. The extension 156 (see FIG. 4)is placed out of engagement with the bolt collar 21 allowing the bolthandle 20 to be manipulated.

[0115] Each of pivot points C, D, and E are preferably cylindrical studsprojecting from both sides of the trigger mechanism 130, and dimensionedto fit within mating holes on the facing plate 152 of the triggermechanism 130 and in the trigger housing 153—as shown in FIG. 22B. Theuse of cylindrical studs is considered preferable over pivoting aboutpins, by eliminating the risk of a loosening of the part over time.

[0116] It should be noted that the trigger mechanism 130 hereinillustrated could be implemented in other firearms, including hand gunsand other long guns, and not only on bolt action rifles.

[0117] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. It should be noted that, without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present invention, the improved firearm orbolt action rifle could implement only one feature herein described—forexample only the split receiver ring 18—any combination of two or moreof the features herein described—for example the split receiver ring 18and trigger mechanism 130—or all of the herein described features.

I claim:
 1. An improved bolt action rifle comprising, in combination: astock; a receiver mounted in said stock; a trigger assembly mounted insaid receiver; a receiver ring located at a forward end of saidreceiver; a barrel located at a forward end of said receiver ring; abolt enclosed within said receiver and said receiver ring and adapted totravel forward and rearward within said receiver and said receiver ring;wherein said bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outerbolt sleeve surrounding said inner bolt sleeve; at least one locking lugslot located within said inner bolt sleeve; wherein said locking lugslot is concave; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and alower projection wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to beretained within a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and wherein saidlower projection is dimensioned to be mounted within said locking lugslot; wherein said lower projection is convex; wherein said upperportion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessed area within saidreceiver ring during axial movement of said inner bolt sleeve relativeto said outer bolt sleeve.
 2. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 1wherein said lower projection has a dovetail shape when viewed incross-section from an end thereof and wherein said locking lug slot hasa mating dovetail shape when viewed in cross-section from an endthereof.
 3. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 1 wherein said lowerprojection has a T-shape when viewed in cross-section from an endthereof and wherein said locking lug slot has a mating T-shape whenviewed in cross-section from an end thereof.
 4. The improved bolt actionrifle of claim 1 further comprising means for preventing full forwardmovement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring whensaid upper portion of said at least one locking lug is not presentwithin said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve.
 5. The improved boltaction rifle of claim 4 wherein said prevention means comprises aspring-biased plunger positioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extendinginto said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and extending above a surfaceof said outer bolt sleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movementof said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring when said upperportion of said locking lug is not present and wherein said plungerretracts to permit insertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon saidretraction, descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve. 6.The improved bolt action rifle of claim 5 further comprising a channellocated within said receiver and adapted to receive said plunger whensaid bolt is moved forward within said receiver and wherein said channelhas a wall located at a forward-most portion thereof so as to contactsaid plunger and thereby prevent further forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring.
 7. An improved bolt actionrifle comprising, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in saidstock; a trigger assembly mounted in said receiver; a receiver ringlocated at a forward end of said receiver; a barrel located at a forwardend of said receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within said receiver and saidreceiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward within saidreceiver and said receiver ring; wherein said bolt further comprises aninner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleeve surrounding said inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug slot located within said inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lowerprojection wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retainedwithin a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lowerprojection is dimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot;wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessedarea within said receiver ring during axial movement of said inner boltsleeve relative to said outer bolt sleeve; and means for preventing fullforward movement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiverring when said upper portion of said at least one locking lug is notpresent within said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve.
 8. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 7 wherein said prevention means comprises aspring-biased plunger positioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extendinginto said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and extending above a surfaceof said outer bolt sleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movementof said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring when said upperportion of said locking lug is not present and wherein said plungerretracts to permit insertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon saidretraction, descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve. 9.The improved bolt action rifle of claim 8 further comprising a channellocated within said receiver and adapted to receive said plunger whensaid bolt is moved forward within said receiver and wherein said channelhas a wall located at a forward-most portion thereof so as to contactsaid plunger and thereby prevent further forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring.
 10. An improved bolt actionrifle comprising, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in saidstock; a trigger assembly mounted in said receiver; a receiver ringlocated at a forward end of said receiver; a barrel located at a forwardend of said receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within said receiver and saidreceiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward within saidreceiver and said receiver ring; a first cut-out area in a side portionof said receiver ring; wherein said first cut-out area is dimensionedand positioned to permit the ejection of a cartridge therethrough; asecond cut-out area in a bottom portion of said receiver ring; whereinsaid second cut-out area is dimensioned and positioned to permit thefeeding of a new cartridge from a magazine therebelow.
 11. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 10 wherein said bolt further comprises aninner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleeve surrounding said inner boltsleeve and further comprising: at least one locking lug slot locatedwithin said inner bolt sleeve; wherein said locking lug slot is concave;at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lower projectionwherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retained within a cavityin said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lower projection isdimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot; wherein saidlower projection is convex; wherein said upper portion is dimensioned tocontact a mating recessed area within said receiver ring during axialmovement of said inner bolt sleeve relative to said outer bolt sleeve.12. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 11 wherein said lowerprojection has a dovetail shape when viewed in cross-section from an endthereof and wherein said locking lug slot has a mating dovetail shapewhen viewed in cross-section from an end thereof.
 13. The improved boltaction rifle of claim 11 wherein said lower projection has a T-shapewhen viewed in cross-section from an end thereof and wherein saidlocking lug slot has a mating T-shape when viewed in cross-section froman end thereof.
 14. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 11 furthercomprising means for preventing full forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion ofsaid at least one locking lug is not present within said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve.
 15. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 14wherein said prevention means comprises a spring-biased plungerpositioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extending into said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve and extending above a surface of said outer boltsleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movement of said bolt withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion of saidlocking lug is not present and wherein said plunger retracts to permitinsertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon said retraction,descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve.
 16. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 15 further comprising a channel locatedwithin said receiver and adapted to receive said plunger when said boltis moved forward within said receiver and wherein said channel has awall located at a forward-most portion thereof so as to contact saidplunger and thereby prevent further forward movement of said bolt withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring.
 17. The improved bolt action rifleof claim 10 wherein said bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve andan outer bolt sleeve surrounding said inner bolt sleeve and furthercomprising: at least one locking lug slot located within said inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lowerprojection wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retainedwithin a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lowerprojection is dimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot;wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessedarea within said receiver ring during axial movement of said inner boltsleeve relative to said outer bolt sleeve; and means for preventing fullforward movement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiverring when said upper portion of said at least one locking lug is notpresent within said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve.
 18. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 17 wherein said prevention means comprises aspring-biased plunger positioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extendinginto said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and extending above a surfaceof said outer bolt sleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movementof said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring when said upperportion of said locking lug is not present and wherein said plungerretracts to permit insertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon saidretraction, descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve. 19.The improved bolt action rifle of claim 18 further comprising a channellocated within said receiver and adapted to receive said plunger whensaid bolt is moved forward within said receiver and wherein said channelhas a wall located at a forward-most portion thereof so as to contactsaid plunger and thereby prevent further forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring.
 20. An improved bolt actionrifle comprising, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in saidstock; a trigger assembly mounted in said receiver; a receiver ringlocated at a forward end of said receiver; a barrel located at a forwardend of said receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within said receiver and saidreceiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward within saidreceiver and said receiver ring; a bolt handle collar positioned on saidbolt; a bolt handle projecting outward from said bolt handle collar tobe grasped by a user seeking to cause one of forward and rearwardmovement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring; andmeans for locking said bolt handle in an upward position so that saidbolt handle will not contact a rearward portion of said receiver duringforward movement of said bolt and for unlocking said bolt handle fromsaid upward position after said bolt handle has cleared said rearwardposition of said receiver.
 21. The improved bolt action rifle of claim20 wherein said upward locking means comprises: a t-shaped plunger; aspring biased against the base of said t-shaped plunger; and an openingin a rear portion of said bolt collar at a base of said bolt handle;wherein said t-shaped plunger is dimensioned to travel at an acute anglewithin a slot located within a side projection on a of rear bolt sleevelocated behind and adjacent said bolt collar so that when said t-shapedplunger is biased by said spring into its forward-most position, aforward-most portion of said plunger enters said opening, preventingsaid bolt handle from being lowered.
 22. The improved bolt action rifleof claim 21 wherein said t-shaped plunger further comprises an upperprojection and a lower projection; wherein said upper projection isdimensioned to project above a surface of said side projection of saidbolt sleeve when said t-shaped plunger is in its forward-most position;wherein said lower projection is dimensioned to not extend beyond saidsurface of said bolt sleeve when said t-shaped plunger is in itsforward-most position; wherein said upper projection is furtherdimensioned so that as said bolt is moved forward, said upper projectionwill contact said rearward position of said receiver and cause saidupper projection and said t-shaped plunger to be pushed rearward anddownward, retracting said forward-most portion of said plunger from saidopening and unlocking said bolt handle.
 23. The improved bolt actionrifle of claim 22 further comprising a channel located within saidreceiver; wherein said channel is dimensioned to receive said lowerprojection when said bolt is moved forward and said t-shaped plunger ispushed rearward and downward; and wherein said channel is dimensioned sothat when said bolt is moved rearward, said lower projection willcontact an end of said channel and be forced upward, causing saidt-shaped plunger to enter said opening and locking said bolt handle. 24.The improved bolt action rifle of claim 20 further comprising: a firstcut-out area in a side portion of said receiver ring; wherein said firstcut-out area is dimensioned and positioned to permit the ejection of acartridge therethrough; a second cut-out area in a bottom portion ofsaid receiver ring; wherein said second cut-out area is dimensioned andpositioned to permit the feeding of a new cartridge from a magazinetherebelow.
 25. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 24 wherein saidbolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleevesurrounding said inner bolt sleeve and further comprising: at least onelocking lug slot located within said inner bolt sleeve; wherein saidlocking lug slot is concave; at least one locking lug having an upperportion and a lower projection wherein said upper portion is dimensionedto be retained within a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and whereinsaid lower projection is dimensioned to be mounted within said lockinglug slot; wherein said lower projection is convex; wherein said upperportion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessed area within saidreceiver ring during axial movement of said inner bolt sleeve relativeto said outer bolt sleeve.
 26. The improved bolt action rifle of claim25 wherein said lower projection on said locking lug has a dovetailshape when viewed in cross-section from an end thereof and wherein saidlocking lug slot has a mating dovetail shape when viewed incross-section from an end thereof.
 27. The improved bolt action rifle ofclaim 25 wherein said lower projection on said locking lug has a T-shapewhen viewed in cross-section from an end thereof and wherein saidlocking lug slot has a mating T-shape when viewed in cross-section froman end thereof.
 28. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 25 furthercomprising means for preventing full forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion ofsaid at least one locking lug is not present within said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve.
 29. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 28wherein said prevention means comprises a spring-biased plungerpositioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extending into said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve and extending above a surface of said outer boltsleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movement of said bolt withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion of saidlocking lug is not present and wherein said plunger retracts to permitinsertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon said retraction,descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve.
 30. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 29 further comprising a channel locatedwithin said receiver and adapted to receive said plunger when said boltis moved forward within said receiver and wherein said channel has awall located at a forward-most portion thereof so as to contact saidplunger and thereby prevent further forward movement of said bolt withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring.
 31. The improved bolt action rifleof claim 24 wherein said bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve andan outer bolt sleeve surrounding said inner bolt sleeve and furthercomprising: at least one locking lug slot located within said inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lowerprojection wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retainedwithin a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lowerprojection is dimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot;wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessedarea within said receiver ring during axial movement of said inner boltsleeve relative to said outer bolt sleeve; and means for preventing fullforward movement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiverring when said upper portion of said at least one locking lug is notpresent within said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve.
 32. An improvedbolt action rifle comprising, in combination: a stock; a receivermounted in said stock; a bolt handle opening in said stock; a triggerassembly mounted in said receiver; a receiver ring located at a forwardend of said receiver; a barrel located at a forward end of said receiverring; a bolt enclosed within said receiver and said receiver ring andadapted to travel forward and rearward within said receiver and saidreceiver ring; a bolt handle collar positioned on said bolt; a bolthandle projecting outward from said bolt handle collar to be grasped bya user seeking to cause one of forward and rearward movement of saidbolt within said receiver and said receiver ring and adapted to bereceived within said bolt handle opening in said stock when said bolthandle is rotated downward so as to lock said bolt in a firing position;and means for holding said bolt handle in a downward firing positionwithin said bolt handle opening.
 33. The improved bolt action rifle ofclaim 32 wherein said downward holding means comprises a spring-biasedplunger located within said bolt handle collar and positioned so as tobe biased toward said barrel, so that when said bolt handle and bolthandle collar are rotated into a downward firing position, a forward endof said plunger enters a notch located in said bolt.
 34. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 32 further comprising means for locking saidbolt handle in an upward position so that said bolt handle will notcontact a rearward portion of said receiver during forward movement ofsaid bolt and for unlocking said bolt handle from said upward positionafter said bolt handle has cleared said rearward position of saidreceiver.
 35. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 34 wherein saidupward locking means comprises: a t-shaped plunger; a spring biasedagainst the base of said t-shaped plunger; and an opening in a rearportion of said bolt collar at a base of said bolt handle; wherein saidt-shaped plunger is dimensioned to travel at an acute angle within aslot located within a side projection on a rear bolt sleeve locatedbehind and adjacent said bolt collar so that when said t-shaped plungeris biased by said spring into its forward-most position, a forward-mostportion of said plunger enters said opening, preventing said bolt handlefrom being lowered.
 36. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 35wherein said t-shaped plunger further comprises an upper projection anda lower projection; wherein said upper projection is dimensioned toproject above a surface of said side projection of said bolt sleeve whensaid t-shaped plunger is in its forward-most position; wherein saidlower projection is dimensioned to not extend beyond said surface ofsaid bolt sleeve when said t-shaped plunger is in its forward-mostposition; wherein said upper projection is further dimensioned so thatas said bolt is moved forward, said upper projection will contact saidrearward position of said receiver and cause said upper projection andsaid t-shaped plunger to be pushed rearward and downward, retractingsaid forward-most portion of said plunger from said opening andunlocking said bolt handle.
 37. The improved bolt action rifle of claim36 further comprising a channel located within said receiver; whereinsaid channel is dimensioned to received said lower projection when saidbolt is moved forward and said t-shaped plunger is pushed rearward anddownward; and wherein said channel is dimensioned so that when said boltis moved rearward, said lower projection will contact an end of saidchannel and be forced upward, causing said t-shaped plunger to entersaid opening and locking said bolt handle.
 38. The improved bolt actionrifle of claim 32 further comprising: a first cut-out area in a sideportion of said receiver ring; wherein said first cut-out area isdimensioned and positioned to permit the ejection of a cartridgetherethrough; and a second cut-out area in a bottom portion of saidreceiver ring; wherein said second cut-out area is dimensioned andpositioned to permit the feeding of a new cartridge from a magazinetherebelow.
 39. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 38 wherein saidbolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleevesurrounding said inner bolt sleeve and further comprising: at least onelocking lug slot located within said inner bolt sleeve; wherein saidlocking lug slot is concave; at least one locking lug having an upperportion and a lower projection wherein said upper portion is dimensionedto be retained within a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and whereinsaid lower projection is dimensioned to be mounted within said lockinglug slot; wherein said lower projection is convex; wherein said upperportion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessed area within saidreceiver ring during axial movement of said inner bolt sleeve relativeto said outer bolt sleeve.
 40. The improved bolt action rifle of claim39 wherein said lower projection on said locking lug has a dovetailshape when viewed in cross-section from an end thereof and wherein saidlocking lug slot has a mating dovetail shape when viewed incross-section from an end thereof.
 41. The improved bolt action rifle ofclaim 39 wherein said lower projection on said locking lug has a T-shapewhen viewed in cross-section from an end thereof and wherein saidlocking lug slot has a mating T-shape when viewed in cross-section froman end thereof.
 42. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 38 furthercomprising means for preventing full forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion ofsaid at least one locking lug is not present within said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve.
 43. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 42wherein said prevention means comprises a spring-biased plungerpositioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extending into said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve and extending above a surface of said outer boltsleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movement of said bolt withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion of saidlocking lug is not present and wherein said plunger retracts to permitinsertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon said retraction,descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve.
 44. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 43 further comprising a channel locatedwithin said receiver and adapted to receive said plunger when said boltis moved forward within said receiver and wherein said channel has awall located at a forward-most portion thereof so as to contact saidplunger and thereby prevent further forward movement of said bolt withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring.
 45. The improved bolt action rifleof claim 38 wherein said bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve andan outer bolt sleeve surrounding said inner bolt sleeve and furthercomprising: at least one locking lug slot located within said inner boltsleeve; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lowerprojection wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retainedwithin a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lowerprojection is dimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot;wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessedarea within said receiver ring during axial movement of said inner boltsleeve relative to said outer bolt sleeve; and means for preventing fullforward movement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiverring when said upper portion of said at least one locking lug is notpresent within said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve.
 46. An improvedbolt action rifle comprising, in combination: a stock; a receivermounted in said stock; a trigger assembly mounted in said receiver; areceiver ring located at a forward end of said receiver; a barrellocated at a forward end of said receiver ring; a bolt enclosed withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring and adapted to travel forward andrearward within said receiver and said receiver ring; wherein said boltfurther comprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleevesurrounding said inner bolt sleeve; wherein said bolt further comprisesa rear bolt sleeve threadably coupled to said outer bolt sleeve; andbolt sleeve locking means for locking said rear bolt sleeve to saidouter bolt sleeve.
 47. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 46wherein said bolt sleeve locking means comprises: a sliding latch havinga horizontal long section, a vertical short section projecting at aright angle from said horizontal long section at an end thereof, and ahorizontal short section projecting at a right angle from said verticalshort section at an end thereof and extending beyond said end of saidhorizontal long section; wherein said sliding latch is positioned withina cut-out portion of said rear bolt sleeve, with said horizontal longsection being flush with an outside surface of said rear bolt sleeve 92;and a spring positioned at a rear of said horizontal long section distalfrom said vertical short section so as to bias said sliding latch towardsaid barrel of said bolt action rifle and to allow said horizontal shortsection to enter a female notch in said outer bolt sleeve.
 48. Animproved firearm comprising, in combination: a frame; a trigger assemblymounted in said frame; a chamber; a magazine coupled to said frame andadapted to feed a cartridge into said chamber for firing; and means forreleasing said magazine from said frame; wherein said releasing meanscomprises a first button projecting from a first side of said frame anda second button projecting from a second side of said frame and whereindepression of either of said first and said second button permitsdetachment of said magazine from said frame.
 49. The improved firearm ofclaim 48 wherein said releasing means comprises: a push button locatedin a front portion of said trigger assembly and projecting from bothsides of said trigger assembly; a release catch coupled to an uppersurface of said push button; wherein a bottom portion of said releasecatch is positioned with a slot in an upper surface of said push button;wherein said release catch has a bevelled projection located at a frontportion of said release catch; wherein said bevelled projection extendsthrough an opening in a portion of said frame housing said magazine;wherein a rear portion of said release catch is concave; a plungerhaving a convex forward surface and biased at its rear surface by aspring; wherein said concave rear portion is dimensioned to mate withsaid convex forward surface of said plunger; and a projection on a rearsurface of said magazine, wherein said magazine projection is positionedso that as said magazine is inserted into said frame, said projectionwill slide up under said bevelled projection, passing on a bevelled sidethereof, causing said bevelled projection and said release catch to bemoved to a side; wherein when said magazine projection passes above saidbevelled projection, said spring forces said release catch back into acenter position below said magazine projection.
 50. The improved firearmof claim 48 further comprising means for ejecting said magazinefollowing depression of said releasing means by exerting downwardpressure on said magazine against a top portion thereof.
 51. Theimproved firearm of claim 50 wherein said ejection means comprises anejector spring-biased in a downward direction and located in saidtrigger assembly proximate said magazine; wherein said ejector furthercomprises a forwardly-projecting extension adapted to contact said topportion of said magazine upon insertion of said magazine into saidframe.
 52. An improved firearm comprising, in combination: a frame; anda trigger assembly mounted in said frame; wherein said trigger assemblycomprises: a first plate; a second plate positioned opposite said firstplate a first pivot point about which pivots a trigger sear; a secondpivot point about which pivots a trigger piece; a third pivot pointabout which pivots a safety pawl; wherein each of said first pivotpoint, said second pivot point and said third pivot point comprises astud projecting from each side of said trigger sear, said trigger piece,and said safety pawl and dimensioned to be inserted into mating openingsin said first plate and said second plate.
 53. An improved bolt actionrifle comprising, in combination: a stock; a receiver mounted in saidstock; a bolt handle opening in said stock; a trigger assembly mountedin said receiver; wherein said trigger assembly comprises: a firstplate; a second plate positioned opposite said first plate a first pivotpoint about which pivots a trigger sear; a second pivot point aboutwhich pivots a trigger piece; a third pivot point about which pivots asafety pawl; wherein each of said first pivot point, said second pivotpoint and said third pivot point comprises a stud projecting from eachside of said trigger sear, said trigger piece, and said safety pawl anddimensioned to be inserted into mating openings in said first plate andsaid second plate; a magazine insertable into a housing located in saidstock and adapted to feed a cartridge into said receiver for firing;means for releasing said magazine from said housing; wherein saidreleasing means comprises a first button projecting from a first side ofsaid housing and a second button projecting from a second side of saidhousing and wherein depression of either of said first and said secondbutton permits detachment of said magazine from said housing; a receiverring located at a forward end of said receiver; a first cut-out area ina side portion of said receiver ring; wherein said first cut-out area isdimensioned and positioned to permit the ejection of a cartridgetherethrough; a second cut-out area in a bottom portion of said receiverring; wherein said second cut-out area is dimensioned and positioned topermit the feeding of a new cartridge from a magazine therebelow; abarrel located at a forward end of said receiver ring; a bolt enclosedwithin said receiver and said receiver ring and adapted to travelforward and rearward within said receiver and said receiver ring;wherein said bolt further comprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outerbolt sleeve surrounding said inner bolt sleeve; wherein said boltfurther comprises a rear bolt sleeve threadably coupled to said outerbolt sleeve; bolt sleeve locking means for locking said rear bolt sleeveto said outer bolt sleeve; a bolt handle collar positioned on said bolt;a bolt handle projecting outward from said bolt handle collar to begrasped by a user seeking to cause one of forward and rearward movementof said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring; means forlocking said bolt handle in an upward position so that said bolt handlewill not contact a rearward portion of said receiver during forwardmovement of said bolt and for unlocking said bolt handle from saidupward position after said bolt handle has cleared said rearwardposition of said receiver; at least one locking lug slot located withinsaid inner bolt sleeve; wherein said locking lug slot is concave; atleast one locking lug having an upper portion and a lower projectionwherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retained within a cavityin said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lower projection isdimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot; wherein saidlower projection on said locking lug is convex; wherein said upperportion is dimensioned to contact a mating recessed area within saidreceiver ring during axial movement of said inner bolt sleeve relativeto said outer bolt sleeve; means for preventing full forward movement ofsaid bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring when said upperportion of said at least one locking lug is not present within saidcavity in said outer bolt sleeve; and means for holding said bolt handlein a downward firing position within said bolt handle opening.
 54. Theimproved bolt action rifle of claim 53 wherein said lower projection onsaid locking lug has a dovetail shape when viewed in cross-section froman end thereof and wherein said locking lug slot has a mating dovetailshape when viewed in cross-section from an end thereof.
 55. The improvedbolt action rifle of claim 53 wherein said lower projection on saidlocking lug has a T-shape when viewed in cross-section from an endthereof and wherein said locking lug slot has a mating T-shape whenviewed in cross-section from an end thereof.
 56. The improved boltaction rifle of claim 53 wherein said prevention means comprises aspring-biased plunger positioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extendinginto said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and extending above a surfaceof said outer bolt sleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movementof said bolt a within said receiver and said receiver ring when saidupper portion of said locking lug is not present and wherein saidplunger retracts to permit insertion of said locking lug and wherein,upon said retraction, descends below said surface of said outer boltsleeve.
 57. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 56 furthercomprising a channel located within said receiver and adapted to receivesaid plunger when said bolt is moved forward within said receiver andwherein said channel has a wall located at a forward-most portionthereof so as to contact said plunger and thereby prevent furtherforward movement of said bolt within said receiver and said receiverring.
 58. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 53 wherein said upwardlocking means comprises: a t-shaped plunger; a spring biased against thebase of said t-shaped plunger; and an opening in a rear portion of saidbolt collar at a base of said bolt handle; wherein said t-shaped plungeris dimensioned to travel at an acute angle within a slot located withina side projection on a rear bolt sleeve located behind and adjacent saidbolt collar so that when said t-shaped plunger is biased by said springinto its forward-most position, a forward-most portion of said plungerenters said opening, preventing said bolt handle from being lowered. 59.The improved bolt action rifle of claim 58 wherein said t-shaped plungerfurther comprises an upper projection and a lower projection; whereinsaid upper projection is dimensioned to project above a surface of saidside projection of said bolt sleeve when said t-shaped plunger is in itsforward-most position; wherein said lower projection is dimensioned tonot extend beyond said surface of said bolt sleeve when said t-shapedplunger is in its forward-most position; wherein said upper projectionis further dimensioned so that as said bolt is moved forward, said upperprojection will contact said rearward position of said receiver andcause said upper projection and said t-shaped plunger to be pushedrearward and downward, retracting said forward-most portion of saidplunger from said opening and unlocking said bolt handle.
 60. Theimproved bolt action rifle of claim 59 further comprising a channellocated within said receiver; wherein said channel is dimensioned toreceived said lower projection when said bolt is moved forward and saidt-shaped plunger is pushed rearward and downward; and wherein saidchannel is dimensioned so that when said bolt is moved rearward, saidlower projection will contact an end of said channel and be forcedupward, causing said t-shaped plunger to enter said opening and lockingsaid bolt handle.
 61. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 53 whereinsaid downward holding means comprises a spring-biased plunger locatedwithin said bolt handle collar and positioned so as to be biased towardsaid barrel, so that when said bolt handle and bolt handle collar arerotated into a downward firing position, a forward end of said plungerenters a notch located in said bolt.
 62. The improved bolt action rifleof claim 53 wherein said bolt sleeve locking means comprises a slidinglatch having a horizontal long section, a vertical short sectionprojecting at a right angle from said horizontal long section at an endthereof, and a horizontal short section projecting at a right angle fromsaid vertical short section at an end thereof and extending beyond saidend of said horizontal long section; wherein said sliding latch ispositioned within a cut-out portion of said rear bolt sleeve, with saidhorizontal long section being flush with an outside surface of said rearbolt sleeve 92; and a spring positioned at a rear of said horizontallong section distal from said vertical short section so as to bias saidsliding latch toward said barrel of said bolt action rifle and to allowsaid horizontal short section to enter a female notch in said outer boltsleeve.
 63. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 53 wherein saidreleasing means comprises: a push button located in a front portion ofsaid trigger assembly and projecting from both sides of said triggerassembly; a release catch coupled to an upper surface of said pushbutton; wherein a bottom portion of said release catch is positionedwith a slot in an upper surface of said push button; wherein saidrelease catch has a bevelled projection located at a front portion ofsaid release catch; wherein said bevelled projection extends through anopening in a portion of said frame housing said magazine; wherein a rearportion of said release catch is concave; a plunger having a convexforward surface and biased at its rear surface by a spring; wherein saidconcave rear portion is dimensioned to mate with said convex forwardsurface of said plunger; and a projection on a rear surface of saidmagazine, wherein said magazine projection is positioned so that as saidmagazine is inserted into said frame, said projection will slide upunder said bevelled projection, passing on a bevelled side thereof,causing said bevelled projection and said release catch to be moved to aside; wherein when said magazine projection passes above said bevelledprojection, said spring forces said release catch back into a centerposition below said magazine projection.
 64. The improved bolt actionrifle of claim 63 further comprising means for ejecting said magazinefollowing depression of said releasing means by exerting downwardpressure on said magazine against a top portion thereof.
 65. Theimproved bolt action rifle of claim 64 wherein said ejection meanscomprises: an ejector spring-biased in a downward direction and locatedin said trigger assembly proximate said magazine; wherein said ejectorfurther comprises a forwardly-projecting extension adapted to contactsaid top portion of said magazine upon insertion of said magazine intosaid frame.
 66. An improved bolt action rifle comprising, incombination: a stock; a receiver mounted in said stock; a bolt handleopening in said stock; a trigger assembly mounted in said receiver;wherein said trigger assembly comprises: a first plate; a second platepositioned opposite said first plate a first pivot point about whichpivots a trigger sear; a second pivot point about which pivots a triggerpiece; a third pivot point about which pivots a safety pawl; whereineach of said first pivot point, said second pivot point and said thirdpivot point comprises a stud projecting from each side of said triggersear, said trigger piece, and said safety pawl and dimensioned to beinserted into mating openings in said first plate and said second plate;a magazine insertable into a housing located in said stock and adaptedto feed a cartridge into said receiver for firing; means for releasingsaid magazine from said housing; wherein said releasing means comprises:a push button located in a front portion of said trigger assembly andprojecting from both sides of said trigger assembly; a release catchcoupled to an upper surface of said push button; wherein a bottomportion of said release catch is positioned with a slot in an uppersurface of said push button; wherein said release catch has a bevelledprojection located at a front portion of said release catch; whereinsaid bevelled projection extends through an opening in a portion of saidframe housing said magazine; wherein a rear portion of said releasecatch is concave; a plunger having a convex forward surface and biasedat its rear surface by a spring; wherein said concave rear portion isdimensioned to mate with said convex forward surface of said plunger; aprojection on a rear surface of said magazine, wherein said magazineprojection is positioned so that as said magazine is inserted into saidframe, said projection will slide up under said bevelled projection,passing on a bevelled side thereof, causing said bevelled projection andsaid release catch to be moved to a side; wherein when said magazineprojection passes above said bevelled projection, said spring forcessaid release catch back into a center position below said magazineprojection; further comprising means for ejecting said magazinefollowing depression of said releasing means by exerting downwardpressure on said magazine against a top portion thereof; wherein saidejection means comprises an ejector spring-biased in a downwarddirection and located in said trigger assembly proximate said magazine;wherein said ejector further comprises a forwardly-projecting extensionadapted to contact said top portion of said magazine upon insertion ofsaid magazine into said frame; a receiver ring located at a forward endof said receiver; a first cut-out area in a side portion of saidreceiver ring; wherein said first cut-out area is dimensioned andpositioned to permit the ejection of a cartridge therethrough; a secondcut-out area in a bottom portion of said receiver ring; wherein saidsecond cut-out area is dimensioned and positioned to permit the feedingof a new cartridge from a magazine therebelow; a barrel located at aforward end of said receiver ring; a bolt enclosed within said receiverand said receiver ring and adapted to travel forward and rearward withinsaid receiver and said receiver ring; wherein said bolt furthercomprises an inner bolt sleeve and an outer bolt sleeve surrounding saidinner bolt sleeve; wherein said bolt further comprises a rear boltsleeve threadably coupled to said outer bolt sleeve; bolt sleeve lockingmeans for locking said rear bolt sleeve to said outer bolt sleeve;wherein said bolt sleeve locking means comprises a sliding latch havinga horizontal long section, a vertical short section projecting at aright angle from said horizontal long section at an end thereof, and ahorizontal short section projecting at a right angle from said verticalshort section at an end thereof and extending beyond said end of saidhorizontal long section; wherein said sliding latch is positioned withina cut-out portion of said rear bolt sleeve, with said horizontal longsection being flush with an outside surface of said rear bolt sleeve; aspring positioned at a rear of said horizontal long section distal fromsaid vertical short section so as to bias said sliding latch toward saidbarrel of said bolt action rifle and to allow said horizontal shortsection to enter a female notch in said outer bolt sleeve; a bolt handlecollar positioned on said bolt; a bolt handle projecting outward fromsaid bolt handle collar to be grasped by a user seeking to cause one offorward and rearward movement of said bolt within said receiver and saidreceiver ring; means for locking said bolt handle in an upward positionso that said bolt handle will not contact a rearward portion of saidreceiver during forward movement of said bolt and for unlocking saidbolt handle from said upward position after said bolt handle has clearedsaid rearward position of said receiver; wherein said upward lockingmeans comprises: a t-shaped plunger; a spring biased against the base ofsaid t-shaped plunger; and an opening in a rear portion of said boltcollar at a base of said bolt handle; wherein said t-shaped plunger isdimensioned to travel at an acute angle within a slot located within aside projection on a rear bolt sleeve located behind and adjacent saidbolt collar so that when said t-shaped plunger is biased by said springinto its forward-most position, a forward-most portion of said plungerenters said opening, preventing said bolt handle from being lowered;further comprising a channel located within said receiver; wherein saidchannel is dimensioned to received said lower projection when said boltis moved forward and said t-shaped plunger is pushed rearward anddownward; wherein said channel is dimensioned so that when said bolt ismoved rearward, said lower projection will contact an end of saidchannel and be forced upward, causing said t-shaped plunger to entersaid opening and locking said bolt handle; at least one locking lug slotlocated within said inner bolt sleeve; wherein said locking lug slot isconcave; at least one locking lug having an upper portion and a lowerprojection wherein said upper portion is dimensioned to be retainedwithin a cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and wherein said lowerprojection is dimensioned to be mounted within said locking lug slot;wherein said lower projection on said locking lug is convex; whereinsaid lower projection on said locking lug has a dovetail shape whenviewed in cross-section from an end thereof and wherein said locking lugslot has a mating dovetail shape when viewed in cross-section from anend thereof; wherein said upper portion on said locking lug isdimensioned to contact a mating recessed area within said receiver ringduring axial movement of said inner bolt sleeve relative to said outerbolt sleeve; means for preventing full forward movement of said boltwithin said receiver and said receiver ring when said upper portion ofsaid at least one locking lug is not present within said cavity in saidouter bolt sleeve; wherein said prevention means comprises aspring-biased plunger positioned in said outer bolt sleeve, extendinginto said cavity in said outer bolt sleeve and extending above a surfaceof said outer bolt sleeve sufficiently to prevent full forward movementof said bolt within said receiver and said receiver ring when said upperportion of said locking lug is not present and wherein said plungerretracts to permit insertion of said locking lug and wherein, upon saidretraction, descends below said surface of said outer bolt sleeve;further comprising a channel located within said receiver and adapted toreceive said plunger when said bolt is moved forward within saidreceiver and wherein said channel has a wall located at a forward-mostportion thereof so as to contact said plunger and thereby preventfurther forward movement of said bolt within said receiver and saidreceiver ring; means for holding said bolt handle in a downward firingposition within said bolt handle opening; wherein said downward holdingmeans comprises a spring-biased plunger located within said bolt handlecollar and positioned so as to be biased toward said barrel, so thatwhen said bolt handle and bolt handle collar are rotated into a downwardfiring position, a forward end of said plunger enters a notch located insaid bolt.
 67. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 46 furthercomprising means for permitting a single user to dismantle said bolt byseparating said rear bolt sleeve from said outer bolt sleeve, said meanscomprising an annular bolt take-down tool adapted to be positioned oversaid bolt and having at least two inwardly projecting two thumbscrewsthereon, said thumbscrews being positioned along said annular bolttake-down tool so that insertion of said thumbscrews will permittool-free detachment of said rear bolt sleeve from said outer boltsleeve.
 68. The improved bolt action rifle of claim 52 wherein saidtrigger assembly further comprises: a pivoting cam surface having anotch thereon; said trigger sear having a rear and a center downwardextensions thereon; wherein said center downward extension of saidtrigger sear is positioned to be able to contact an engagement surfaceat a top portion of said trigger piece; wherein said rear downwardextension of said trigger sear is positioned to be able to contact saidpivoting cam surface; wherein said pivoting cam surface is connected toa thumb piece, and which thumb piece is capable of adjusting anorientation of said pivoting cam surface as a result of forward andrearward movement of said thumb piece; wherein said safety pawl has aprojection thereon that is adapted to contact said notch on saidpivoting cam surface; wherein full forward positioning of said thumbpiece causes clockwise rotation of said pivoting cam surface, allowingsaid projection on said safety pawl to enter said notch on said pivotingcam surface, allowing said safety pawl to pivot upward and out ofengagement with said notch of said trigger piece, and causing said rearextension to be relieved from contact with said cam surface, allowingsaid trigger sear to rotate downward, moving said center extension intocontact with a top portion of said trigger piece, and allowing saidfirearm to be fired if said trigger piece is pulled; and wherein fullrearward position of said thumb piece causes counter-clockwise rotationof said pivoting cam surface, causing said projection on said safetypawl to exit said notch on said pivoting cam surface, causing saidsafety pawl to engage said trigger piece, lifting said center extensionfrom contact with said trigger piece, preventing said trigger sear frommoving downward and thus preventing firing of said firearm.